Michigan has only been at that peak once since 1970, the furthest back the series goes. That was in 1983.

1983 was the year that Democrats under Gov. James Blanchard passed an income tax increase, spurring recall campaigns that led to the ouster of two state senators, turning that body over to Republican control under Sen. John Engler. The GOP has held the Senate ever since.

Just sayin'.

Maybe this is why Treasurer Bob Kleine reacted strongly when the estimation was released a few weeks ago, challenging its accuracy. However, given the direction of the measure's two components, Personal Income and State and Local Tax revenues, there's no reason to think that it's not accurate. The Tax Foundation is aware of Kleine's objection, but so far stands by their number.

The Mackinac Center has published a chart tracking the tax burden, here: http://www.mackinac.org/images.asp?ID=8524#2295